Misconceptions about Christopher Columbus

There are several misconceptions about Christopher Columbus, one of which is that he thought manatees were mermaids and attempted to date one. Another misconception is that Columbus believed the Earth was shaped like a boob, when in fact he suspected it was not perfectly spherical. Furthermore, it is claimed that Columbus created one of the first slavery rings, but slavery already existed in various regions before his arrival. Additionally, he is accused of mistreating natives, but there is evidence that he often defended them against other Spaniards.